Lakeland Terrier — breed guide
Bred in the Lake District to go down after foxes in rock crevices — among the gamest of the working terriers for its size.
At a glance
- Group
- terrier
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 7–8 kg (15–18 lb)
- Life span
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Hard, wiry double coat; hand-stripped
Living with a Lakeland Terrier
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
- Barely sheds.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Barks readily.
- Good with children.
- Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Confident · Bold · Friendly · Determined
Health to watch
- Lens luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Cataracts
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Lakeland Terrier good with kids?
Generally yes. Lakeland Terriers are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Lakeland Terrier good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Lakeland Terrier need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Lakeland Terrier handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Lakeland Terrier's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.